This is what boxing great Manny Pacquiao is really like
Manny's morning runs are a high-security event. Photo: Getty
It’s hard to imagine an Aussie not cheering for Queenslander Jeff Horn in Sunday’s much-anticipated fight against Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium.
As if Horn’s passport wasn’t enough, his back story – a Brisbane teacher, bullied at school, and now a professional boxer – has appealed to many, particularly when pitted against an 11-time world champion from the Philippines.
But 24-year-old George Kambosos Jr marches to the beat of his own drum.
A prodigiously talented boxer in his own right, Kambosos Jr – ranked the seventh best lightweight fighter in the world – has spent the past five-and-half weeks in Pacquiao’s camp, playing the vital role of sparring partner in what he calls a “once in a lifetime experience”.
The Aussie hasn’t just boxed in the ring with Pacquiao, though, with the pair running together, eating together, attending church and hanging out as the 38-year-old prepared for his latest big-money bout.
Kambosos Jr and Pacquiao are coached by the same people, trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning guru Justin Fortune, so when the ‘Pac Man’ wanted to train with an Aussie, they made the Sydneysider an offer he could not refuse – even if he knew it would anger Horn.
“I know critics are not happy with me helping the so-called ‘enemy’,” Kambosos Jr told The New Daily.
“Jeff [who did criticise the move] is not my dad or mum, though. I don’t owe him anything.
“Jeff’s still got a grudge and I’ve said we can easily sort it in the ring … this has been an amazing experience.
“I’ve sparred 45 rounds with Manny, I have improved hugely and it has been very good for me.”
Kambosos Jr initially spent a week training with Pacquiao in Manila, before they arrived in the Flipino’s home town – General Santos – for a three-and-a-half week stint.
Every day, except Sunday, they woke at 5.30am for a 10km run that came with a major culture shock, starting an intense and “full on” day.
“On our runs, it was crazy,” he said.
“We had locals cheering us on, yelling encouragement, as we ran through the mountains and to his resort.
“We had heaps of protection, too – there were trucks of soldiers before us, behind us, others on bikes on the side of the road watching.”
“We were sparring three times a week, and doing biometrics, ab work, pad work, the list goes on. He does 40 rounds a day – it’s amazing how hard he works,” he said.
Kambosos Jr, who also trained in Brisbane with Pacquiao in the lead-up to the fight, said he has impressed in the camp so much that the boxing star wants to sign him – and is already talking about organising a potential fight for him in China later this year.
He also had praise for Pacquiao’s humble nature.
“He won’t turn down a photo – and he gets asked for a lot,” he said.
“He has been so generous with his advice to me and he never forgets where he has come from.”
Kambosos Jr is perfectly placed to judge Pacquiao’s preparation for the fight and says, contrary to reports, he has left no stone unturned – something that will help him win easily, he believes.
Pacquiao and Kambosos love talking about basketball. Photo: Instagram
“He’s prepared like he’s fighting for the world title – not defending it,” he said.
“He doesn’t underestimate Jeff. He knows it is the end of the road for him if he loses, and there are bigger things in the works for him.
“But Jeff’s style doesn’t concern him too much. Manny has got his aggression back and I think I’ve played a big role in that.
“Manny will win within six rounds. Full respect to Jeff, he has got this fight and it has given Australian boxing life again. But they are at two different levels.
“I just can’t see Jeff being able to hit him.”
